130 



Very extensive drainage has also seriously damaged the 

 primeval flora and fauna. Much of this has been unnecessary 

 and is a great tax on the people of the state. Millions of acres 

 are unused and will be idle for many years to come. 



The writer confined his studies largely to the southern part 

 of the state with short excursions into the central part. For 

 convenience the flora will be discussed according to the kind of 

 territory occupied and not in regard to scientific relationships. 



Coastal Plants 



The seaside and sand dune plants are unique, and run over 

 the sand almost to the line of high tide. Many of the plants 

 blossom for a considerable part of the year but are at their best 



The Sabal Palmetto is abundant in the coastal regions of central and southern 

 Florida. View near Fort Lauderdale. 



for only two or three months, frequently the late winter, spring 

 and early summer seasons. Many of the species are confined to 

 a certain habitat, others may be found flourishing in two or 

 more. 



It is quite a surprise to find that our common smartweeds 

 of the Buckwheat family are represented on the sandy coast 

 region by a tree twenty feet high. The ocreae at the nodes indi- 

 cate its relationship at once. The leaves are nearly circular with 



